MLS Weekend Preview: Week 28

If certain events happen this week we could see the final three playoff spots all snatched up. Again there are some Ifs involved there but we very well could be down to teams clinched playing for positions rather than playing to get in before its all said and done.

Only Kansas City can control what happens this weekend. They lose to Seattle and its pretty much good bye for them, Toronto FC and Chicago. Well actually Toronto and Chicago are nearly dead going into the weekend but just need another result to be officially eliminated by the eyes of the MLS front office.

There are plenty of good games this weekend including one tonight.

Friday

Columbus Crew – at – Chicago Fire

It seems as though neither team wants a result these days. Just when you think the Fire are about to beginning making a run into the post season they fall hard and fast. The Crew on the other hand haven’t looked the same for nearly a month in league play. Fatigue or schedule congestion could be to blame, same with some injuries to key guys but really the Crew haven’t done enough recently to suggest they’ll be a strong playoff team this year.

Tonight will be interesting in Chicago. The Fire are playing for their lives but then again they have been for weeks now and it doesn’t seem to do them a bit of good with their backs to the wall. I’d imagine the Crew will want to erase the disappointment from their midweek loss in the US Open Cup. They could start out slow and the Fire will catch them napping if that is the case but I see the Crew keeping this one level.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 1, Columbus 1

—————————————————————-

Saturday

Real Salt Lake – at – New York Red Bulls

Big game of the week in some eyes but New York will be without some key components in this one. No Bouna Coundol in net or Dane Richards on the wings will be tough to overcome even for the star-studded attack from New York. That should play into the hands of RSL on the road here. Normally I’d give New York the upper hand but this one looks even.

I think a draw sounds more likely here with these two as RSL will be fine defensively in this one but I think Rafa Marquez holds them in check offensively. A lot will come down to backup keeper Greg Sutton in this one for New York.

WVH Prediction: New York 1, RSL 1

——————————————————————

Colorado Rapids – at – FC Dallas

The home finale for the regular season for FC Dallas this weekend as they host the Rapids. This one should be fun to watch as Jeff Cunningham will be going for the MLS all-time goalscoring record. I have a good feeling that he will get it too. Look for Colorado to press a bit more in this one after dropping a disappointing game to D.C. United last week at home. FCD can handle the pressure though and should find a way to push their streak to 19 games.

WVH Prediction: FC Dallas 2, Colorado 1

————————————————————–

San Jose Earthquakes – at – D.C. United

Can the Black-and-Red spoilers do it two weeks in a row? Eh I doubt it. San Jose has had their number before and I doubt that trend will go away anytime soon. The Quakes tend to do well against lesser quality sides in this league so look for them to secure their place in the post season for the first time since 2005 when the first version of the Quakes were still alive.

WVH Prediction: San Jose 2, D.C. United 0

—————————————————————–

Seattle Sounders FC – at – Kansas City Wizards

This has to be the game of the weekend here as so much rides on it for a few clubs. Seattle could be a bit tired after their big Open Cup win this week but look for Sigi Schmid’s team to remain focused in this one. They’ll want to wrap up a playoff spot too this weekend. Kansas City has to find ways to challenge the Sounders in the back and finish their chances, something they failed to do last week in New York. I think this one stays level though as Seattle’s defense has really come together nicely in recent weeks.

WVH Prediction: Kansas City 1, Seattle 1

————————————————————————

Toronto FC – at – Chivas USA

Toronto isn’t completely out of it yet but it really doesn’t matter at this point for them. This one is more about pride and moving forward than anything else. Look for each club to give a decent effort while trying out some new looks as they begin work on their roster shake ups for this fall.

WVH Prediction: Chivas 2, Toronto 1

————————————————————–

Sunday

New England Revolution – at – Houston Dynamo

Fun fact, New England has never lost at Robertson Stadium. Can you believe that? Sounds like a draw to me though this time around as each are playing for pride and draft pick positioning.